UNWILLING TO GET BIOPSY
Posted , 11 users are following.
Hi friends.
I’ve had worsening symptoms ongoing since February or before. I worry so much I’ll be completely closed up soon. Seriously terrified.
Well I’ve got clobetesol ointment and bentnovate cream. I use baking soda water rinses after each trip to bathroom. I have v-magic, aloe gel, coconut oil, avocado oil, borax solution.... list goes on. I’ve tried them separately and together. Emu oil has helped settle things down, mostly pain - until yesterday.
When I asked if there’s anything gyn can do for me (I had bad reaction to hormone cream), all he said is unfortunately we need to biopsy. He knows I don’t want that.
Like *that’s* JUST what an already very unhappy vulva needs!!!??
Here’s the thing.
He knows I have atrophy. He suspects lichen Sclerosus but isn’t sure due to no classic white patch figure 8 or whatever. Well I’M sure.
What difference does it make other than being able to check the box?? Treatment options don’t change!! Increase risk of infection for what?
Why would I put myself through that? I guess I just don’t understand.
I’m fairly shy of procedures in general and I have severe complex ptsd.
Is there any good reason or better chance of reversal- better treatment with biopsy? No I didn’t think so.
If I’m missing something please inform me. But I just can’t do it.
0 likes, 23 replies
ann67814 pat0423
Posted
Hi Pat, you don't need a biopsy to prove LS and if he is convinced it doesn't sound as if you need to go through it. Having a biopsy is really not a big thing. I had a biopsy and an area of labia removed because I had a lesion which wouldn't heal. It really wasn't a problem and healed quite quickly. I had been told to keep it dry which was difficult but each time I passed urine I rinsed with plain water and patted dry.
Please try not to let LS be the total focus of your life, you can get past that and live your life treating the LS to keep comfortable Stress is a big trigger so worrying so much is self fulfilling. Do get checked once a year by your GP. There are so many women out there living with this.Good luck.
diana71766 pat0423
Posted
I would have the biopsy. First one I had did not feel they numbed. They also take small piece. Tell them this. Second I felt wasn't numbed enough. You have a right to be scared. They numb your mouth when putting in needles. If he won't change doctors to they do. God bless.
Guppy007 pat0423
Posted
I just wanted to add that I watched a video recently on Lichen Sclerosus and the doctor confirmed that you dont always need a biopsy for LS, it is only when you have a serious reoccurring problem, like a sore that won't heal that you need to have a biopsy. If anyone wants to see this then PM me.
em100 Guppy007
Posted
That's really interesting! The doctor I was seeing at the GUM clinic was always happy to say it was LS by looking at me and my symptoms. It's only since I've had to visit a gynecologist that a biopsy has been asked for. My split only seems to flare up once or twice a year. It goes within a day or two with the cream. I'm having a vulvoscopy on Monday and I'm hoping he won't need to do a biopsy.
Guppy007 em100
Posted
Hi em, a GUM clinic is similar to a Vulva clinic in that they see a LOT of women and therefore they see women with LS far more frequently than a gyno or dermatologist, which is why your doc at the GUM was able to give you a visual diagnosis...because they have that experience.
Where it gets complicated is when you visit someone that hasn't seen many women with Lichen Sclerosus, if at all, and they often panic and the word cancer is mentioned..all of this is uncalled for and distressing.....that is the difference between seeing someone at a special clinic and going to see your local doctor or gyno or dermatologist.
There are always exceptions to the rule but what I have described is mostly what happens.
Good luck on Monday.
em100 Guppy007
Posted
Thanks x
I agree with you, the doctor at the GUM saw plenty of us with LS and was always very calm and knowledgeable. It's just such a pity the funding for these clinics is being withdrawn. This clinic has an online booking system now and only allows you to book under certain conditions. Mine not being included anymore. I would never of changed from seeing her otherwise.
Guppy007 em100
Posted
That's a shame that the funding is being withdrawn. I am surprised that you would not 'qualify' for more care having Lichen Sclerosus.
em100 Guppy007
Posted
It's the GUM clinic that's lost funding for certain conditions. My GP did refer me to a Gynecologist. He was really rude and wanted a biopsy before anything else. I then paid privately to see another gynecologist who has agreed to do a vulvoscopy. I'd of rather stayed with the lovely doctor at the GUM clinic though